Detestable: meaning, definitions and examples
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detestable
[dɪˈtɛstəbəl ]
Definition
feeling
Deserving intense dislike. Very unpleasant or offensive. Hateful. Abominable.
Synonyms
abominable, despicable, hateful, odious, repugnant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| detestable |
This word is used to describe something that is so unpleasant or offensive that it deserves to be hated.
|
| hateful |
Employed to describe actions, words, or attitudes that are full of hate or invoke a strong feeling of hatred in others.
|
| abominable |
Used in situations where something is exceptionally bad or disgusting, often implying a sense of moral indignation.
|
| despicable |
Applied to actions or behaviors that are morally contemptible or beneath humanity. This word carries a strong negative sentiment.
|
| odious |
Used to describe something extremely unpleasant or causing intense dislike, often related to moral judgment.
|
| repugnant |
Used to describe something that is extremely distasteful or offensive, invoking a sense of strong disgust.
|
Examples of usage
- It's a detestable smell.
- His behavior was absolutely detestable.
- The detestable actions of the criminal shocked the community.
- The detestable act of violence left a lasting impact on the victim.
- The detestable remarks made by the politician caused outrage.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- Originates from the Latin word 'detestari', which means to detest or to curse.
- The prefix 'de-' implies a removal or reversal, combined with 'testari' meaning to bear witness, suggesting a strong rejection.
- The word has been used in English since the late 14th century, emphasizing strong disapproval.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters often express detestable traits to highlight conflicts or moral lessons.
- Many villains are described with terms like 'detestable' to evoke strong emotional reactions from the audience.
- Shakespeare used this term in various plays to depict characters' strong aversion to others or their actions.
Psychology
- The feeling of distaste can be associated with personal values, where something detestable violates one's morals.
- Strong detest can sometimes lead to aggression or hostility, emphasizing the depth of human emotions.
- On a psychological level, detestable experiences can strongly influence a person's behavior and choices.
Pop Culture
- In various movies and shows, certain characters are often portrayed as detestable to provide comic relief or moralistic plots.
- Reality shows often focus on detestable behavior for dramatic tension among contestants.
- Social media amplifies detestable attitudes, giving a platform to express disdain toward trends, celebrities, or public figures.
Philosophy
- Philosophers have discussed the concept of detestability in the context of ethics, exploring what makes actions or ideas morally repugnant.
- Existentialists might argue that finding something detestable reveals individual values and beliefs about existence.
- The idea of detestability has been explored in the context of existential choices, highlighting freedom and responsibility in aversion.
Translations
Translations of the word "detestable" in other languages:
🇵🇹 detestável
🇮🇳 घृणित
🇩🇪 verabscheuungswürdig
🇮🇩 menjijikkan
🇺🇦 огидний
🇵🇱 wstrętny
🇯🇵 嫌悪すべき (けんおすべき)
🇫🇷 détestable
🇪🇸 detestable
🇹🇷 iğrenç
🇰🇷 혐오스러운
🇸🇦 مكروه
🇨🇿 odporný
🇸🇰 odporný
🇨🇳 可憎
🇸🇮 gnusen
🇮🇸 ógeðfelldur
🇰🇿 жиіркенішті
🇬🇪 საძაგელი
🇦🇿 iyrənc
🇲🇽 detestable